Reintegration program eases deployment transition

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LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  When Airmen return from a deployment, they often find their household roles, workplace dynamics and routines changed, which can make life very different.

To help Airmen make the transition back from the deployed environment, Air Combat Command implemented a new process to provide returning members and their families tools to effectively adapt to the new normal.

The ACC Reintegration Program facilitates a gradual transition from the deployed environment by raising awareness of potential challenges and providing the necessary education, services and counseling for Airmen and their families.

Some of the things returning Airmen encounter are absolutely normal, said Jean Michel, ACC personal and family readiness consultant. They need to understand everything will get back to normal, but it will be a new normal.

For many years, ACC has had excellent programs to prepare individuals and their families for deployments and to keep them connected during the separation, said Mr. Michel. However, until now, the command placed too little emphasis on helping Airmen during the post-deployment transition.

The program is a joint effort between the Family Support Center, Life Skills, the chaplain, the medical community and the deployed and home unit. It is mandatory for deployed Airmen and those who are on temporary duty for more than 30 days.
There are several steps to the Reintegration Program, according to Mr. Michel.

The reintegration process begins approximately 30 days prior to Airmens return when they undergo a medical and psychological self-assessment, and participate in an interactive briefing that identifies possible barriers they may encounter upon their return home. They also receive printed and electronic materials to supplement the briefing.

A second step ensures leaders at the deployed and home station locations are in contact with each other to help identify when a member has encountered significant combat or particularly stressful non-combat related life events during the deployment. That way, the home station is prepared for any special issues related to those events.

Airmen, returning on their own and not part of a large group, are met at the airport and assigned a reintegration wingman who serves as a sponsor and assists in easing the transition.

Upon return, Airmen follow a four-day schedule of reintegration activities including briefings, in-processing appointments, a medical review and time to take care of personal errands and begin the acclimation process.

The purpose is to give Airmen time to gradually decompress and readjust to a different environment with the support of peers, supervisors and various base agencies, said Mr. Michel.

After completing the reintegration activities, Airmen generally opt to take reintegration leave, said Mr. Michel. Before departing, base leaders conduct a face-to-face meeting to ensure Airmen have no significant unresolved personal reintegration issues.

But the program does not end there. The unit continues to monitor and follow up with each returnee in 30- to 60-day intervals until no longer needed.

ACC officials also recommend families participate in an interactive briefing similar to the one the Airmen receive and join other activities that prepare them for the potential challenges the reunion may bring.

Reintegration is a process, not an event, said Mr. Michel.